A summary of key observations from Milan Design Week 2026, focusing on the influence of Italian designer Andrea Branzi and notable installations, including Rosewood Hotels' debut and the use of unique venues like churches.
There’s a great quote by Italian designer and architect Andrea Branzani: “Humans ascribe objects an identity of their own. A soul that gives them life beyond mere technical function.
The designer has to be capable of putting this soul into the objects and structures that he creates otherwise he should pick a different job. ” It was used at Rosewood Hotels’ Milan Design Week 2026 installation Objects That Speak and it’s a good standard to have in mind whilst walking round the overwhelming exhibitions, displays and shows at MDW which showcase design from every brand from Ikea to Ittala. Here are our key takeaways from this year.
Andrea Branzi rules The GOAT of Italian design was a big presence this year. Branzi is a significant figure in the history of design and architecture for his contributions to the Radical Design movement of the 60s and 70s. The idea that buildings and products should be adaptable and responsive to human life seems duh now, but it’s not always been that way.
Gallery Triennale Milano hosted a Branzi retrospective featuring work such as his Domestic Animals seats - think fluffy sofas - and the posters he made for design group Superarchiettura, a pop-art influenced group of creatives who rejected consumerism. On the site of Rosewood’s Milan hotel - due to open in 2027 - Branzi's handcrafted lamps made from materials such as Japanese rice paper and Belgian bluestone were displayed together as a group for the first time in a show curated by critic Deyan Sudjic. It’s Rosewood Hotel Group’s MDW debut and the group’s president, Radha Arora, said it was an exciting moment.
“ such an important cultural platform, so it feels both meaningful and very natural. ” Churches rock Milan is home to some outstanding ecclesiastical architecture and these made great settings for memorable shows this year. Demna staged his first big cultural intervention as Gucci’s creative director by showing 12 Renaissance style tapestries depicting the house's history in the Chiostri di San Simpliciano cloisters.
Skincare brand Aesop’s The Factory of Light installation was set in the 17th-century courtyard and sacristy of Santa Maria del Carmine with an astounding landscape of 10,000 recycled Aesop glass bottles providing the backdrop for the unveiling of a trio of lamps designed by Aesop, one of which is being produced as a limited edition. Mexico’s Sten Studio, meanwhile, used the abandoned chapel at the Baggio military hospital to showcase their stone sculptures and lamps, while Brazilian furniture brand Leo Lague filled the church at Baggio with a trippy display of smoke and monolithic chairs.
Food rules MDW often showcases furniture inspired by food and dining rituals and 2026 was no exception. There were some whacky moments including a surprise hit show by IKEA, a brand not often associated with Italian design. Food For Thought was set in old industrial building turned art space Spazio Maiocchi. It paired five designers with five chefs to create rooms inspired by preparing or eating different foods.
The building’s yard was turned into a food court for the duration with lots of dishes on offer - including the slightly dubious IKEA x Chupa Chup meatball-flavored lollipop. Toiletpaper - the art magazine created by artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari – collaborated with the Walter Chandoha Archive to create an apartment decorated with 20 of Chandoha’s famous cat photos. While many shows opened with a celebratory breakfast, this was the only one offering breakfast for pets.
For those looking for a more low-key and elegant event, there was the show Chopsticks which featured Asian cutlery created by 16 different design studios from countries including South Korea, Japan and China. Though they served an excellent cup of green tea. Traditional craft is the future The design industry’s respect for trad craft endures for another year and there were some beautiful examples of skill on view.
Jonathan Anderson invited British sculptor and basketmaker Eddie Glew to town for a carving demonstration to celebrate the launch of three JW Anderson baskets - the Blanket, the Log and the Laundry basket, all in willow with lovely leather hardware. The art of Murano glass got a beautiful update at 6AM’s show which was held in an abandoned swimming pool. A remarkable collection of brightly coloured glass stools and lights.
Also this year Salone del Milano, the main furniture fair, launched Salone Raritas - a section dedicated to collectible design and craft. One of the most joyous exhibits was the ceramic Pickle Tower displayed by British pottery 1882 Ltd. Traditional but unexpected, irreverent but important. A bit like Milan Design Week itself.
Milan Design Week Andrea Branzi Italian Design Rosewood Hotels Design Exhibitions
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